Travis Kelce had a thoughtful answer when asked about the newfound attention on him and the Chiefs amid his rumored romance with Taylor Swift during a team media availability on Friday.

 

Kelce, 33, began by telling reporters he’s thrilled with the Chiefs’ three consecutive wins and is focused on “trying to get to four in a row” on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. The NFL star added, “As all the attention comes…it feels like I was on top of the world after the Super Bowl and right now I’m even more on top of the world.”

In response to how he’s handling all of the new eyes on him amid the rumored relationship with Swift, 33, Kelce said he’s “learning” how to navigate “paparazzi just taking photos from all over the place” after photographers have begun waiting for him at his Kansas City home.

Kelce understands the territory that comes with Swift’s level of fame, however. “At the same time, it comes with it. It comes with it. You’ve got a lot of people that care about Taylor, and for good reason.”

Going forward, the NFL star said he’s “just got to keep living and learning and enjoying the moments” as he and Swift enjoy getting to know one another on a public stage.

Kelce also assured reporters that the possible romance with Swift won’t become a distraction for him during the NFL season. “At the end of the day, I’ve always been pretty good about compartmentalizing and being able to stay focused in this building, so I’ll just keep rolling with that,” he said.
After the “Bejeweled” singer attended her second Chiefs game on Oct. 1, the NFL star addressed the public attention on him and Swift during an episode of his weekly podcast, New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce Presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment.

“Let’s get to it, is the NFL overdoing it?,” Jason Kelce, 35, asked his brother about the celebrity coverage. “What’s your honest opinion? Take away your feelings for Taylor…” which prompted a laugh from Travis.

The younger Kelce brother admitted, “They’re overdoing it a little bit for sure, especially my situation. [But] I think they’re just trying to have fun with it.” He went on to say, “Yeah, my personal life that’s not so personal,” during the conversation with his brother. “I did this to myself, Jason. I know this.”

The NFL star and Swift have been the center of attention since rumors of their relationship began swirling in the past few weeks. Kelce and Swift are “still just getting to know each other,” a source told PEOPLE, adding, “It’s nothing too serious.”

And an insider said that the pair haven’t yet defined their relationship: “He is a charming guy. It’s more of a hanging out situation than dating.”

Though Kelce is spending time with Swift, “he’s focusing on football like he always has,” the source says. “During the NFL season, his priority is the Chiefs, and it’s all about the team.”

Kelce was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round in 2013. Alongside star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, he’s won two Super Bowl championships, and he recently told PEOPLE the Chiefs are “motivated to stay on top” this season.

“I think every single week we’re going to get everybody’s best shot, and we kind of earned that last year and earned that respect,” he said. “So I’m excited for it. I always want to play everybody when they’re at their best. And sure enough, I know we’ll be getting that week in, week out here in Kansas City.”